SpaceX delivers Starship Transfer Tube with an Anti-Vortex Device to Starbase

-

-Advertisement-

SpaceX delivered a large object to Starbase yesterday. At first, this large structure was unidentified but later on, it was recognized as a fuel transfer tube for Starship Raptor engines.

It is not just a simple fuel transfer tube, it is equipped with an anti-vortex device or anti-vortex plates. Since SpaceX Raptor engines use liquid methane as fuel, the transfer process can create cavitation (small liquid-free zones such as bubbles or voids) in the fluid during transfer. Anti-vortex devices prevent the occurrence of cavitation that can create dents and shockwaves in the transfer tube (Source: CorrosionPedia).

Mary (@BocaChicaGal) from NasaSpaceFlight.com spotted the Starship Raptor engine fuel transfer tube during her coverage of SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica, Texas.

Tesla Accessories by EVANNEX.
– Sponsored –
Starship transfer tube spotted at SpaceX Starbase Boca Chica, Texas.
Starship transfer tube spotted at SpaceX Starbase Boca Chica, Texas. Credit: Boca Chica Gal via NASASpaceFlight.com.

Since the above picture was taken from a bit of distance, Mary posted the following close-up photo of this newly-developed transfer tube designed specifically for loading propellent into Starship Raptor engines. The full video of Starbase coverage from yesterday is also included below.

Close-up photo of the Starship Raptor engine propellent transfer tube with anti-vortex devices installed.
Close-up photo of the Starship Raptor engine propellent transfer tube with anti-vortex devices installed. Credit: Mary via NASASpaceFlight.com.
– Advertisement –

More Starbase Updates

Starship SN20 (Ship 20 in short) is seen standing tall at Starbase. While talking to a virtual meeting of the Space Studies Board (SSB) back in November 2021, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was optimistic that the first Starship orbital test would happen in January 2022. But his estimation did not materialize.

However, a previous NASA document revealed that the first Starship orbital flight test will happen around March 2022.

SpaceX crew was also seen working on the Super Heavy Booster 4 Quick Disconnect Arm (video below). A prototype nosecone barrel was scrapped. Multiple parts of the Wide Bay were also delivered.

The Starship Launch Tower Chopsticks can be seen between Booster 4 and Starship 20. Let’s watch the coverage video below for the visuals.

Stay tuned for future updates on Starship and SpaceX, Follow us on:
Google News | Flipboard | RSS (Feedly).

Iqtidar Ali
Iqtidar Alihttp://www.teslaoracle.com
Iqtidar has been writing about Tesla, Elon Musk, and EVs for more than 3 years on XAutoWorld.com, many of his articles have been republished on CleanTechnica and InsideEVs, maintains a healthy relationship with the Tesla community across the Social Media sphere. You can reach him on Twitter @IqtidarAlii

Latest News

FSD Beta 11.4.7.2 (2023.27.6) gets mostly positive reviews from testers, Tesla adds a new Data Sharing agreement prompt in the update

Tesla started rolling out the new FSD Beta update version 11.4.7.2 (firmware build 2023.27.6) yesterday. According to an initial...

Tesla shares Optimus robot’s AI progress, Elon Musk pledges to make it safer with convenient switch-off mechanisms

Tesla (TSLA) shared the development progress of its humanoid robot Optimus on Sunday. In a short video, Tesla showcased...

Tesla reopens Giga Texas with Master Candidate Cybertrucks and Model Y production restart

Multiple developments took place today at Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. After almost a 1 month closure for upgrades,...

Tesla leads the auto industry by a mile with the launch of its 50,000th Supercharger in Ultra Red

Tesla (TSLA) has written a new chapter of the automotive industry in the last 11 years with its Supercharger...
- Advertisement -

Starship, OLM, and Mechazilla get thousands of upgrades in preparation for the 2nd orbital flight test, FAA holds approval, Starbase updates

SpaceX shared the details of the upgrades that have been made on the road to Starship's next orbital flight...

Starbase update: SpaceX conducts 2nd static fire test on Booster 9, Starship factory expands, Mid Bay demolished, more

Starbase, Texas: SpaceX has been intensely busy in preparation for the next Starship orbital flight since the 1st static...

Starship Booster 9 static fire served as a test bed for the new OLM water deluge system

SpaceX performed a static fire test on its Starship Super Heavy Booster 9 rocket yesterday. This test was performed...

Tesla Tips & Tricks

Calculating Tesla Model 3 range loss through a cold winter night (video)

As the holiday season is nearing, cold weather is...

Even red wine doesn’t stain Tesla white seats (video)

Tesla's futuristic white interior option is the most popular...

Popular Stories

- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended for You